This middle-distance handicap hurdle has drawn a compact but classy field of seven, several of whom have been plying their trade in stronger company. With the going described as good and a weak pace on the cards per Timeform’s map, tactical speed and track position could be decisive. Historical patterns suggest race fitness is often crucial here, and the small field places added emphasis on efficiency and jumping.

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🧨 Strongest Contenders

MONVIEL (IRE) (Trainer: Harry Derham | Timeform Rating: 149+ | OR: 121)
Returned to form with a decisive 4½-length win at Ffos Las four weeks ago, having dropped in class and been eased in the weights. Timeform notes he is “competitive from much higher marks,” and that’s certainly backed up by his narrow second in this very race last year off an 8lb higher mark. The weak pace forecast may suit him well — he’s often held up and travels strongly. Notably, he’s had issues with bleeding in the past, so market strength late on may be instructive.

FOR PLEASURE (IRE) (Trainer: Olly Murphy | Timeform: 147 | OR: 124)
A free-going front-runner who’s done well for Olly Murphy since switching yards. Successful at Haydock in December and ran with credit last time at Fakenham. While the pace setup doesn’t necessarily scream ‘ideal’ for tearaway types, if he’s gifted a soft lead, he could be dangerous. He’s 10 now, but his Timeform rating of 147 is the second highest in the field, and both trainer and jockey Sean Bowen boast strong strike rates at Uttoxeter — 23% and 22% respectively since 2021.

WEST TO THE BRIDGE (IRE) (Trainer: Dan Skelton | Timeform: 144 | OR: 131)
A veteran at 12 but showed there’s still fire in the engine when winning nicely at Wetherby back in February. He’s not the quickest, so a stronger pace would likely help more than hinder, but his class and stamina are not in question. Skelton’s record in this race is worth noting too — he’s trained the 2019 winner (Forecast), also aged 7 and running off 131. Given how well this yard places its veterans, he can’t be discounted lightly.

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🕵️‍♂️ Main Dangers

TUNE IN A BOX (IRE) (Trainer: Tom Lacey | Timeform: 143 | OR: 126)
Lightly raced and may strip fitter for his seasonal reappearance in a hot Aintree handicap (where he shaped as if in need of it). Wore first-time cheekpieces there and now reverts to more suitable company. Timeform suggests this is a less demanding assignment and he has form over a variety of trips. Trainer Tom Lacey tends to have winners in May, and this 6yo is still open to improvement.

PUNTA DEL ESTE (FR) (Trainer: David Pipe | Timeform: 145? | OR: 133)
Below form in a tough assignment at Fontwell last time (National Spirit Hurdle), but had been consistent prior. The question mark on his Timeform rating reflects his unpredictability. He has form over further and could be caught flat-footed if this becomes a dash, but back in calmer waters, he retains claims. Notably, has changed yards (ex-Dan Skelton), and a watching brief is sensible after a 69-day absence.

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🎯 Interesting Outsiders

HERMINO AA (FR) (Trainers: Gary & Josh Moore | Timeform: 142 | OR: 139)
Won at Newbury in November but has failed to fire over fences since. Reverts to hurdling off a stiff mark (just 3lb below career-high) and wouldn’t be one to back with great confidence. Still, he is useful on his day and represents a shrewd operation. Could sneak a place if bouncing back, though market support would be very significant after a 32-day turnaround and back over hurdles.

DONNIE AZOFF (IRE) (Trainer: Jamie Snowden | Timeform: 144 | OR: 115)
Returns from a 201-day layoff and arrives out of sorts. His win at Stratford last summer gives a small glimmer, but his jumping can be erratic, and he’s hard to trust after being pulled up on final start last term. With only one win in his last 12 starts, he’s a longshot, but interestingly, his Timeform rating is higher than his OR — suggesting there’s ability if things click. Watch the betting.

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📈 Noteworthy Trends & Trainer Patterns

• Olly Murphy has won this race twice in the last five years — Resplendent Grey (2024) and The Carpenter (2023) — both well-supported favourites.
• The top-rated Timeform horse has won 3 of the last 5 editions of this race.
• 5 of the last 6 winners were aged 6–8 and ran within the past 45 days.
• Dan Skelton (trainer of West To The Bridge) also trained the 2019 winner, Forecast.

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🧾 Final Verdict

• Likeliest Winner: MONVIEL – ticking all the right boxes on ratings, setup, and course form.
• Main Danger: FOR PLEASURE – if allowed to dictate, he could prove hard to peg back.
• Best of the Rest: WEST TO THE BRIDGE – veteran still holding his form and from a yard that knows how to win this.